Parks Board mulls priorities for potential new source of funding

If there is more funding for parks in Keizer, what should the top priority be?

That was the question asked by Bill Lawyer, Public Works director for Keizer, during the Keizer Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting earlier this month.

Parks Board members in recent meetings have talked about the idea of adding $2 to the water bill residents pay. That funding would bring in an estimated $350,000 per year in new revenue.

“We’ve been through similar exercises with the police department, as well as parks on previous ballot measures,” said Susan Gahlsdorf, Finance director for the city. “There are different ways of going about it. I have experience with what works. I’m here to offer my help. Resources are available to the group to promote parks and to be successful. My goal is to make it successful.”

Lawyer said Gahlsdorf is putting together a five-year plan for park operations to see how much funding would be necessary.

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